Biden-Harris Officials Sought Foreign Guidance on Speech

A trove of documents has come to light, suggesting that top officials within the Biden-Harris administration sought advice from British counterparts to handle contentious content related to elections and COVID-19 on social media platforms. These revelations have led to new legislative efforts aimed at blocking the use of American taxpayer money to support foreign censorship initiatives.

A meeting took place on August 21, 2021, between members of the U.S. National Security Council and the U.K.'s Counter Disinformation Unit, part of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in Britain. Documents from this meeting were obtained by America First Legal through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bipartisan Concerns Over Free Speech Implications

At the meeting, British officials presented slides suggesting a cohesive approach to govern data shared on technology platforms, mirroring the UK's Online Safety Act. Representatives from multiple U.S. agencies were present, highlighting the significance of international collaboration. The presentation also called for joint efforts through global organizations like the United Nations, G7, and NATO to address misleading information.

Representative Nancy Mace, who chairs a relevant House subcommittee, has since inquired about the administration’s approach to controlling political discourse. Her request aligns with her introduction of the No Funds for Fascists Act, which aims to curb financial contributions to foreign governments that restrict freedom of speech.

Documents Reveal Complex International Strategies

Mace criticized the administration's approach to controlling speech, expressing concern that foreign governments are providing guidance on what she views as a violation of American constitutional rights. She described these actions as extreme and contrary to American principles. Her proposed bill hopes to address these concerns.

Meanwhile, Michael Ding, counsel for America First Legal, voiced apprehension over efforts to regulate election and COVID-19 information. He pointed out that these initiatives can be traced back to international non-governmental organizations, which aim to influence the regulation of free speech across different topics.

Complexities of International Free Speech Policies

Ding further criticized what he views as the dishonesty of pro-censorship advocates. He questioned whether U.S. policymakers fully understand the First Amendment consequences of extradition agreements with Britain, especially if such a policy results in arrests for violating Britain's speech laws.

America First Legal’s lawsuit is set on uncovering any attempts by federal agencies to steer public narratives about COVID-19. This concern about foreign influence overflows into election-related matters, where similar disclosure issues arise.

Push for Transparency in Government Actions

The involvement of U.K. officials indicates a broader scope of transnational dialogues on issues regarding misinformation control. Documents reveal strategies discussed during international meetings and potential applications of these strategies at a national level.

As this discourse unfolds, congressional representatives and legal advocates are calling for greater transparency into the nature of such international collaborations. They are seeking to ensure that measures taken do not encroach on civil liberties.

Public Reaction and Legislative Responses

The impact of these revelations has resonated across multiple sectors, raising questions about the protection of free speech within democratic systems. The proposed legislative measures aim to prevent the adoption of foreign censorship models that could infringe upon domestic rights.

While the dialogue strengthens between nations on the issue of misinformation, there remains a focus on maintaining core values related to freedom of speech and expression. For now, the discussion continues, with proponents on both sides maneuvering through the complexities of global information management.